Federer's rivalries in 2008
Roger Federer might end the year 2007 in such a classy way (as he usually did) by winning the Shanghai Open. However, I predict that by next year in year 2008, we will see more players raise their game to beat the world number 1.
For the last two three years, Rafael Nadal has been Fedex's biggest rival. And I believe there will be no difference in year 2008 particularly the first half of the year. However, Nadal's knee injury could blow his chance in winning the French Open at Roland Garros for the fourth times as Fedex has been aiming the only Grand Slam he's missing in his prized collection. These two titanic rivals will definitely dominate the finals again next year and keeping other players at bay.
We have seen Fernando Gonzalez beaten Fedex in Shanghai Open and I believe it's still possible for Gonzalez to do that again but not in crucial finals and in the Grand Slams. So does Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer. However, these two players might surprise us based on their excellent performance this year. As for Nikolay Davydenko, he has landed himself in too many controversies including a match-fixing accusation. And I don't see him as a big threat to Fedex although he is the world number 4 as Fedex has a series of record of beating him in straight sets.
The only player besides Nadal whom I can see giving tough challenge to Fedex next year is David Nalbandian. Nalbandian is a very talented player and there have been some great battles between them in the past. This Argentinian player could step up and raise to be among the top 3 players next year.
Fedex is still going to dominate the professional tennis scene in 2008. But the question is, will he improve even more on clay court like what he did earlier this year?
6 drop shot(s):
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Roger is the best !! HAHA
Frankly, RF is my TOP favourite player!
Glad i did manage to get his auto! Thanks to his personal butler at Ritz! Bravo Mr Syed!!
2008 - i predicted Rafa/Andy Murray/Nole Djoko/ Richard Gasquet to challenge the Top 8s.... It's much more fun than 2007! Watch out for Andy Murray - he's fitter & stronger! Can't wait for 08 seasons!
*glad to know your blog! :) I read che-cheh's too! It's a great blog,too! Your friend? :)
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Andy Roddick's performance has been quite downhill in 2007...I wonder why.
Ohh I hope to see new champions emerge. Kinda boring la...everytime also Federer.
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Esther: Glad that you went to Ritz Carlton. Actually I've forgotten to mention about Murray. But with his injury, I don't see him doing anything that surprises tennis fans especially at the beginning of the year. Blake and Bhagdatis are interesting players but I don't see them being consistent enough to challenge the top players yet. And as for Gasquet, he needs a lot of mental strength to go further.
I don;t know Che-cheh personally. Only in the blogosphere, so far.
Che-cheh: Roddick kinda stagnant and can't seems to raise his game to match the top 3 players. Yeah, we need Nadal as the number 1 player. I'm waiting for that day to come ;)
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What about in the women's department?
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neo: thanks for this question. will write a post about the women's tennis ;)
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hey hcfoo...
Just wanna let you know, The Tennis Channel will showing the exhos from dec 3rd onwards...( including Rafa-Ritchie)
http://www.thetennischannel.com/federer_sampras/#
Thank You.
